Sunday, May 17, 2015

Dog bite prevention week May 17-23

Pets offer affection and companionship to millions of Americans
nationwide.

However, according to the Center for Disease Control, nearly
4.5 million dog bites occur each year (50% involving children) which often
occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs due
to unforeseen stress.

As Dog Bite Prevention Week approaches (May 17-23), there are
various precautionary measures that pet owners and families can take to ensure
the safety of their pets and the people around them.

Heidi Ganahl,CEO and founder of pet care franchise Camp
Bow Wow offers a series of tips to help educate individuals to take proactive
measures to help reduce the risk of dog bites — as prevention starts with the
person, not the dog.

Tips for preventing dog bites:

--Seek Proper Help to
Ensure You Pick the Right Dog – Whether it is through a trainer, a
shelter, or a local rescue organization, recruit an educated individual to help
you find a dog that best suits your lifestyle. For example: If you have a child
that is fearful of large dogs, get a smaller one.

--Know How To Identify and Manage Key Warning Signs:

Lip Licking, Yawning,
Wide Eyes and Spiked Fur–
All are indicators of a stressed dog. It is important to always asses the exact
situation. If a dog is lying on the couch by itself and licks its lips, most
likely it is not stressed. If a dog is being hugged, tugged on, etc., and
begins to emit warning signs, this is a clear indicator that he/she is now
stressed.

Growling and Snapping– Never try to get a dog to stop
growling; we WANT it to growl, as it lets us know that he/she is uncomfortable.
If a dog gets in trouble for growling, it will stop and can immediately go to
biting.

A Stiff Wagging Tail –
A dog that is experiencing stress (and may bite) will wag its tail in a stiff
manner. Look out for a tail that is pointed high and moves even more quickly
back and forth.

Averting Their Gaze – Avoidance
behavior indicates that the dog is not comfortable with the particular
situation.

Cowering or Tail
Tucking– This behavior
indicates that a dog is fearful. It doesn’t mean the dog will bite, but could
if the dog’s fear continues to increase.

--Train Your Dog and
Yourself – Enlist your entire family and dog into a reward-based
training class. A reputable trainer will help educate you and your family on
the proper ways to interact with your dog. They will also teach you how to
notice signs that your dog may be experiencing stress and needs to be given
space.

--Never Leave a Child
Under Ten Years Old Alone With a Dog – This rule must be enforced at all
times, no matter how much you trust your four-legged friend. Dogs tend to give
off warning signs when they are uncomfortable and may bite in response. In most
cases, children aren’t able to pick up on these signals and can easily get
hurt.

--Always Ask “May I Pet
Your Dog?” – If there is a dog you or your child wants to touch, ask the
pet parent first, so that they can inform you as to whether or not their pet is
comfortable interacting with kids or new people.

--Remember That All
Dogs Can Bite – Even your family pet, if put in a bad situation, can
bite. Educating others on the proper way to interact with your dog will help
prevent dog bites. Inform individuals not to grab the dog’s fur, ears, tail or
any other part of its body and to not play with your dog unless you are
available to supervise.

--Properly Manage
Strange Dogs – If you encounter a dog that is off leash, never scream or
run. Stand still, ignore the dog and wait for him/her to leave.

--Never Chain Your Dog
– Dogs that are chained-up in your back yard or any other area are more
likely to bite because they can become protective of that particular territory.

--Supervision is
Mandatory – Always supervise your dog around your family members,
especially children 12 years old and younger. A dog can go from normal to
stress to biting in seconds. Don’t be afraid to ask the parents of your
children’s friends if their family dog will be around your child.

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About Me

Editor, pack leader and pooper-scooper of http://njdogblog.com, @njdogblog (Twitter) and @njdogblog (Instagram). Former Record/Herald News garden and radio columnist; listings editor; William Paterson University professor and advisor; notary public; and Universal Life minister.